Two members of Gov. Kay Ivey's staff have been "elevated" to permanent cabinet agency positions, Ivey's office confirmed Friday.

Chris Blankenship and Hal Taylor held their positions in an acting role until Friday. Now, Blankenship is Commissioner of Conservation and Natural Resources and Taylor is Secretary of the Alabama Law Enforcement Agency, or ALEA.

Both were sworn in Friday in a private ceremony at the Capitol.

“Since I appointed Chris Blankenship as Acting Conservation Commissioner and Hal Taylor as Acting ALEA Secretary, both men have proven beyond any doubt their abilities to effectively lead their respective agencies,” Ivey said. “I am proud to appoint both men to serve permanently in their particular roles.”

“From effectively working to extend the Red Snapper season, to protecting Alabama’s natural resources, Chris Blankenship has made it clear he can lead the Department of Conservation and Natural Resources long-term,” Ivey continued. “I am proud to have Christ as part of my team.”

Blankenship was appointed in an acting role on June 1. Prior to that, he served as the Deputy Commissioner and as Director of DCNR Marine Resources Division from 2011 to 2017 and has worked at the Department of Conservation and Natural Resources since 1994 when he was hired as a Conservation Enforcement Officer.

“Alabama’s law enforcement efforts must be handled with precision and integrity; Hal Taylor’s leadership ensures that happens. Hal is ably leading the men and women who serve our state as part of the Alabama Law Enforcement Agency, and I am thankful for his continued efforts,” Ivey commented.

Taylor was appointed as Acting Secretary of ALEA on April 12. He most recently served as the Deputy Chief of Staff for the State Bureau of Investigations and ALEA Chief of Staff beginning in 2014. Prior to that, Taylor worked for the ABC Board dating back to 1992.

Youngstown State University student Albert Maruna was caught red-handed and arrested this week after he allegedly attempted to have sex with a 15-year-old boy, who turned out to be an undercover officer.

Youngstown State University student Albert Maruna was caught red-handed and arrested this week after he allegedly attempted to have sex with a 15-year-old boy, who turned out to be an undercover officer.